Date nights are one of my favorite things. It's a change in pace from the normal schedule with a few new ideas and places to try. My boyfriend and I like trying something we don't normally do, or sometimes we stick to our comfort zone of local places and restaurants. Spending time together is what really matters. There are times where we are at a loss for ideas, but with the help of the internet, we normally come up with some pretty kick-ass fun.

1. Dinner at you favorite place

For special occasions, my boyfriend and I like to "treat each other" to a really nice dinner. We both frequent local chain restaurants, since we both have a tight budget. Ragazzi in Lake Grove is one of our favorite restaurants. They have a very personable staff and their food is delicious. Their menu is priced fair and I would recommend trying their spicy calamari.

2. Movies

When the weather is really nasty out and rather then trying to find a movie theater and time that worked, we decided to rent a movie, make a huge bowl of popcorn and make our own movie theater. It was cheaper, more relaxing and we didn't have to leave the house!

3. Mini golf

I love mini golf, and I never get to play as much as I'd like to. There is a local mini golf place that has two courses with waterfalls that are absolutely beautiful. If you skip hole 18 on one course, you can keep your ball to play the second one!

4. Trip to (local place)

Day trips are my favorite. Sometimes, every once in a blue moon, we both wind up having a whole day off together. One day, we decided to drive to the Montauk Light House and walk around the town.

5. Cooking dinner

Since things tend to get expensive, cooking dinner at home is always smart. I like trying new things and cooking new recipes. We usually trade off who cooks, and we always try to find new recipes online. Home-cooked meals can be better then anything you can order at a restaurant, and it gives you more time with each other.

6. Walk down beach

I am a total sucker for anything lovey-dovey and cliche couples stuff. Walking down the beach while the sun is setting is both beautiful and romantic. It is differently a change of scenery, and it makes for a cute photographer.

7. Ice cream

I love going out for ice cream or froyo. I like getting ice cream from our local ice cream shop. For anyone who lives on Long Island, McNulty's in Miller Place is the best. They have seasonal ice cream flavors (pumpkin being my favorite) and are open year round!